October 2, 2008 11:25 PM
Palin rocked the debate
On my way to bed -
Please leave your thoughts for me to read and post first thing tomorrow morning.
My own off-the-cuff-and-random:
Our friend Sarah rocked tonight!!! Critics and nay-sayers can pick apart the details, but what they're never going to get is the way she bypasses the media to connect with the American people - just as the leader she has said she so greatly admires: President Ronald Reagan.
She did not allow Gwen or Joe to control the flow. She did not come from a place of reaction, but a place of genuine outreach to the people she wants to serve. Didn't you love when she said something to the effect: "Gwen and Joe, I know my answers aren't the ones you want, but. . . I just want to connect with the American people. "
Later, she even referred to Reagan directly, saying frankly that she loved the format of the debate because she could talk directly to us without having to go through the Mainstream Media.
The Mainstream Media is dying a slow and painful death before our very eyes. And it's their own fault.
I've held back my outrage for Katie Couric's ultra-snide performance during her interview of Palin. Seems Katie got stuck somewhere in the Junior High Mean Girls milieu. My only question is why in the world the McCain people thought it necessary to kowtow to the MSM's demands that they throw Palin like chum to the sharks.
I'd love to see Team McCain just cheerfully ignore the MSM's directives for the rest of the campaign. Someone needs to show the MSM they are not the power players they think they are. Not anymore. Not with the flow of information we have on the Internet. And not since the MSM has come unmasked, exposing themselves this year as simply a volunteer PR organization for the Democratic Party.
I ran into an acquaintance the other day - a beautiful woman who owns two coffee shops and whose children go to school with mine. We chatted for a while and then she said, "So - is Palin driving you as crazy as she's driving me?"
I just smiled and said, "I love Palin! I'm Palin 24/7. She's real and authentic. A breath of fresh air."
Taken aback, she said, "Well, I think that anyone who chooses to have a baby with a disability should stay home to raise it."
I said, "That baby has a whole family that loves him and will raise him. And she's sure going to have a lot of staff as VP. I think the baby will be fine."
She had no doubts that Obama would win, "not after that vote today." That was Tuesday and I wasn't sure what exactly she meant by that, but I simply said that no matter who won, our lives wouldn't change much at all. I'd still come in to her coffee place to buy an Americano now and then and she'd still be keeping up her wonderful shop.
I gave her a hug before I left. I refuse to be bitter towards people who have different political views. And she may see the debate tonight a lot differently than I do, since she's looking through a different prism. But one thing that puzzles me is why so many "successful" women - meaning successful in the world's eyes - like Katie Couric and Gwen Ifill and the coffee shop owner despise Sarah Palin.
It's not about principles or policies, but really a deep-seated contempt - irrational. catty, judgmental - that reminds me of junior high. Though I thank God for the years between those painful times and today, I often see women who never outgrew their need to cut off the heads of others to make themselves taller.
One thing I think that bothers them is that Sarah is secure in who she is. She is willing to serve but since she's not driven by a desire for power, she will be direct. She will be fearless, as when she stands tall and says unequivocally that she does not support gay marriage - that though she believes in tolerance and practical things like visitation rights and contract rights, that marriage is reserved for one man and one woman. If that costs her an election, so be it.
That's the kind of leadership we don't see much of in this day and age. And her saying that gave Biden the strength to say the same thing unequivocally. Does he mean it? My guess is that he would cave if it were expedient, just as he caved years ago on abortion.
Some women just don't like women who are sure of themselves. Sometimes you can't tell them apart from the women they despise because they appear to be confident too. But you can see who they really are in their treatment of other women. Their self-hatred comes out when it is projected onto other women. A woman who is secure in herself would never treat another woman with the disrespect Katie Couric showed Sarah Palin. That interview - which ostensibly revealed Palin's weakness - really said more about Katie's inner ugliness.
And her ratings went down anyway.
My guess is that Sarah's went up tremendously tonight. She exudes joy, confidence, accessibility and a genuine love of others - qualities that remind me of Jimmy Stewart in It's a Wonderful Life. These are iconic American virtues and I for one find them much more appealing and exciting and hopeful and full of change than the dour America-is-the-pits-no-one-likes-us-and-we-don't-deserve-to-be-liked-anyway perspective of Barack and Michelle Obama, who have let us know on numerous occasions how much they despise our country, even as they enjoy a lifestyle way above that of the constituents whose class envy they work so hard to foment.
I could go on. But I'd be sorry tomorrow morning when my alarm goes off at 6. Can't wait to hear what you think.
For all my stuff on Sarah Palin, go here.
Posted in Campaign 2008 | Permalink
Comments
I thought she did a wonderful job. I wish she would have thrown out the real reason for the financial mess we're in instead of the 'predatory lender' excuse...not to mention calling Joe Biden on his statement of allowing homeowners to refinance at a lower interest rate and lower principal.
Overall she did great,and I think far outweighed the left's expectations.
My own opinion on why successful-appearing women despise her is that Sarah Palin is a successful woman in a man's world who got to where she is by being what a woman should be--a wife and mother-- and not by being a woman-trying-to-be-a-man in a man's world. She takes the true definition of woman and makes it equal to man.
Posted by: Sherry | October 3, 2008 8:17 AM
Barbara,
A quote taken from an article by Chuck Norris...You may have already seen it but it's worth a repeat, just in case:
"In a so-called age of tolerance, it amazes me just how intolerant some people are of those who stand for traditional values. For example, if I stand against California's memorializing of Harvey Milk Day or stand for California's Proposition 8, which would create an amendment to the California Constitution to safeguard heterosexual purity in marriage (which I do support and encourage Gov. Schwarzenegger and all Californians to do the same), I'm considered by many to be intolerant and a bigot. But if another actor takes just the opposite positions on those measures, he is considered to be compassionate and a liberator. Or when a liberal candidate, such as Hillary Clinton, runs for president, her candidacy is considered a fulfillment of civil rights and women's suffrage. But when a conservative candidate, such as Sarah Palin, runs for vice president, she's considered a radical right-wing extremist who could usurp the Capitol by toting rifles at her side."
This is one of the most frustrating issues for me...everyone calls for tolerance but it's really only tolerance for those who hold to the same radical, liberal beliefs.
Posted by: Kim | October 3, 2008 8:51 AM
I enjoyed this debate mostly because of Sarah Palin. She is truly the change we need in Washington. I too wish the cause of this economic mess would come to light during these debates. I am baffled that the McCain guys are not bringing facts to light - do they know something we don't, something else that isn't on youtube yet? Just wondering.
But...you look at MSM and it's clear to them Biden wiped up and Palin wiped out. We were watching different debates I guess. It's maddening that media pursues these lies (undecided voters saying Biden clearly won). Is it the self-fulfilling prophecy idea - if you say the lie loud enough and long enough everyone takes it for truth?
We not only need a massive change of leadership in Washington (this bailout debacle proves that more than ever!) we need a leadership change at ABC/CNN/NBC/CBS etc.
Posted by: Barb | October 3, 2008 9:09 AM
I agree and love what you said, I feel the same way.
Your words really struck me..."A woman who is secure in herself would never treat another woman with the disrespect Katie Couric showed Sarah Palin."
Soooo true!
That is why you did not get upset with the coffee shop owner.
You said it well and I though Sarah Palin did a fine job last night. She was real...I like real.
Sue
Posted by: Praise and Coffee | October 3, 2008 9:10 AM
I thought Sarah did awesome!! I'm just not so sure that it is going to be enough.
I am disheartened to hear your friend's remark about a mother with a special needs child needing to stay home to raise it. As one such mom, I know that there could be nothing worse for my son than to learn to depend solely on me. I will not always be around, and he needs to learn to navigate in a world that is not always the kindest place to people with disabilities.
Posted by: Nicole | October 3, 2008 11:34 AM
Although Sarah did well, I'm feeling a bit pessimistic today. What worries me is that Biden was a smooth talker last night. He played Obama's game of spinning and twisting the facts, and only those who go searching for the truth will know this. The masses are Hollywood oglers who will think they saw a suave, nicely-tanned, well-spoken statesmen, and they will be satisfied! They don't like Sarah because the media masses have decided she's not popular. Obama is popular--nobody can really tell you why, but it doesn't matter because it's all about form and not substance. Remember these types from your school days? They vote now. How can we get people to think? God help us find a way.
Posted by: Evergreen | October 3, 2008 12:17 PM
I'm so glad I stumbled upon your blog today Barbara. :) Good post.
I think Sarah did well. Her greatest asset is her WISDOM, (as opposed to just regular old knowledge--which she has as well). She is sincere, truthful and a leader who can be trusted. I don't see those attributes in Biden. Although he is polished and smooth and came off very well last night. Iliked Sarah's 'folksy' demeanor.
God bless
Posted by: A Mom for McCain | October 3, 2008 1:27 PM
I think the women who think that Sarah Palin did well last night also probably think that a major in sports journalism is as good as a law degree and that Reader's Digest is as good as The Atlantic Monthly. Quoting Ronald Reagan didn't do it for me as his economic principles led to the cause of the current crisis. Poor Sarah is ignorant. No amount of memorized soundbites can change that.
Posted by: w. | October 3, 2008 2:18 PM
Apparently "w." is especially impressed with law degrees and The Atlantic Monthly--how very highbrow.
Posted by: Evergreen | October 3, 2008 7:50 PM
I think the women who think that Sarah Palin did well last night also probably think that a major in sports journalism is as good as a law degree
As good as a law degree to do what? I wouldn't want someone with a journalism major defending me in court, but I don't see where being a lawyer is any help in being a vice-president.
and that Reader's Digest is as good as The Atlantic Monthly.
Ah yes, the Atlantic. Whose blog is currently hosting Andrew Sullivan, the insaniac who is insisting the McCain people release Palin's birth records to verify Trig is actually her son. Riiiight, they're hemorrhaging credibility there.
Quoting Ronald Reagan didn't do it for me as his economic principles led to the cause of the current crisis.
There are many reasons for the current crisis, but it started with Carter.
Poor Sarah is ignorant. No amount of memorized soundbites can change that.
She's been on the stump for a mere five weeks, and she successfully took on a debate with a 35-year Senate veteran. Ignorant she's not. But you have to wonder about someone who would think so.
Posted by: Amy K. | October 3, 2008 9:11 PM
An interesting point. If I recall correctly, all of the Democratic Presidential hopefuls in the past few decades have been lawyers, while the Republican hopefuls have been various other occupations, but NOT lawyers.
I think this is an important distinction. Now of course, my husband makes a living teaching people how to become lawyers so I can't be too harsh on them, but we all know that lawyers tend to view things a bit differently than the rest of America. This is not always a "good" thing.
Obama is very good at spin, and I think a large part of that comes from his training as a lawyer.
As for the Atlantic Monthly, do you mean THAT Atlantic Monthly, the one that contracted a photographer who admits to trying to make McCain look "evil"? I'm with Amy K, they're not exactly oozing credibility these days.
Posted by: lauren | October 4, 2008 8:52 AM
Barbara, great site and forum.
We all love Sarah Palin for several reasons.
The main reason is that she is down to earth and relates to the common citizen, both men and women .
She is very intelligent, hard working and has succeeded in politics which historically has been a man's world for the most part.
Lack of experience really has little to do with this race. She has had executive leadership tests as Governor of Alaska and has passed them with flying colors. She has attributes that money can't buy. Among them are total honesty,character, tenacity, common sense and intelligence that allows her to "think through problems" and arrive at a solution. Not to mention that she has unbelievable charisma.!
My advice is do not under estimate Sarah Palin. Many of her rivals in the past did just that and were left in her wake.
I think she has the hopes and aspirations for America that most of us do and I believe she has the countrys best interest at heart.
Women struggled for years to get the right to vote and were successful, they then struggled to get into politics and become elected to different offices, they have been successful, now women have a chance to stand up and be counted. Don't let this opportunity pass you by.!
Women of America, regardless if you consider yourself Republican, Democrat or independent, now is your time. Sarah Palin is motivated enough to be our VP, she is intelligent enough to be our VP,she is determined, persistent, honest, direct and a breath of fresh air that this country and Washington so desperetly need at this time, did I forget, she is also a woman, mother and wife.!
Her potential is unlimited.!
May God bless Sarah Palin and her wonderful family and may God bless America.
Regardless of the outcome of this election I sincerely feel we have not heard the last of Sarah Palin.
Thanks for the opportunity to express my opinion about this issue.
Don Stone, Taxpayer, Citizen, Husband, Dad and Veteran.
Posted by: Don Stone | October 4, 2008 3:49 PM
